this post was submitted on 02 Aug 2023
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Racially divisive policies, in particular co governance.
Out of curiosity, do you know that co-governance is already being used in many places right? For example the governance of the Waikato river is a co-governance model. There have been no issues that I know of, and everything runs smoothly.
What exactly is your fear with regards to co-governance?
My view is that co governance is valid where natural resources are concerned, but it should never be used when man made infrastructure is concerned.
The proposed model, where Iwi have a 50% say, is also rather unprecedented.
It's just a bad idea all around.
They don't really have 50% say. I can only speak to the proposal with 3 waters, but it was not the governing body that had 50% Iwi input. The group of experts that chose those who form the governing body, which was to be done on based on merit as usual, was shared between Iwi and non-iwi. This treats Iwi as an form of 'expert', by acknowledging they are the original caretakers of the land.
I cannot claim certainty of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, as I am not an expert, but I also believe it was a stipulation to ensure Māori retained control/governorship over certain aspects of the land, including waterways.
ETA: I want to also make it clear I am not defending or endorsing TPM btw, just that I don't reject them solely based on the ideas around co-governance.
The difference between them having 50% say, and having 50% say in the board is mere pedantry, in my view. Of course they will appoint people who will represent their views and interests.
I also don't see what any of this has to do with decisions regarding man made infrastructure, these are not waterways we're talking about, but built infrastructure.
But they cannot appoint anything by themselves. The committee needs to agree. They just have a voice at the table, and equal voice.
What infrastructure are you concerned about? If you are talking about the water infrastructure, then my counter argument is - all water flows into the waterways eventually. What happens upstream affects those downstream, so why shouldn't they have a say?
I guess my view is this: it doesn't bother me if we follow Te Tiriti, and it also doesn't bother me if we extend those rights upstream. I do not think that these boards are going to start chucking white folks in jail or anything. What exactly do you think they might so that is "racially bases"?
It's more that they will likely find a way to direct projects towards Iwi owned companies, or find another way to work things to their advantage. The whole system is ripe for abuse.
Iwi deserve a say on consents to take and discharge water, what happens between the two should be none of their business. Their individual members, assuming they are ratepayers, will of course have a say.
Huh, my comment didn't take by the looks of it.
Tl;Dr I said thanks for the discussion, this is a valid concern, and while I'm not worried I get why it should be addressed.
I can see both your comments.
Lemmy doesn't seem to like long comment chains for some reason.